Presents for a Real Christmas

We’re all busy at this time of year and sometimes you just need something that will work with all ages or in school. Here is a simple interactive idea that went down well in both church service and collective worship in school but I’m sure it would also work really well at Messy Church, Sunday School or an after school club.

With my thanks for all the work you do with children and families especially at Christmas 
  

blessings 

Barbara Meardon

Adviser for Work with Children and Families for Salisbury Diocese

barbara.meardon@salisbury.anglican.org

* * *

Wrap four Christmas presents and hide/place them round the church/school hall:

A beautiful candle

A Flying dove cut out of card or a model

A balloon blown up

Lots of fair trade chocolate hearts

I started by talking about the giving and receiving of presents at Christmas then explained that God’s great gift to us at Christmas is Jesus and the gifts that he brings to us . . . Explain that there are four parcels hidden in the church/hall.

I sent children off to search for the first parcel, perhaps point them in the right direction. The first parcel is found and unwrapped.  Inside is a beautiful candle.  Ask a child to light it from the Christmas or Advent candle - 

I wonder what this candle reminds us about Jesus – that Jesus brings light to the world.

Set the candle on a small table.

I then sent the children off to search for the second parcel, pointing them in the right direction.  It was found and unwrapped and inside they found the flying dove decoration.  I held it up for all to see and asked: 

I wonder what  the dove is a symbol for? – The Holy Spirit, peace – Jesus brings peace to the world.

I set it on the table but you could hang it on the tree if there is one.

I sent the children off to search for the third parcel, pointing them in the right direction. The third parcel is very big.  The children found it and unwrapped it carefully.  Inside was a blown up balloon that popped out as they unwrapped it.   

I wonder when we have balloons? – we are celebrating Jesus’ birthday - Happy Birthday Jesus! The balloon is filled with air – it took energy to blow it up – Jesus brings us life.

I finally sent the children off to search for the fourth parcel, pointing them in the right direction. The fourth parcel was found and unwrapped.  Inside were red foil-covered chocolate hearts (if possible use fair trade and provide enough for everyone in the church) –  

I wonder what gift that Jesus gives us all is represented by the hearts?  Jesus brings us love.

I finished by getting the children to give out the chocolate hearts - a gift from Jesus – but you could invite them up to the from or the altar to receive them.